On Friday, March 18, 2016, an altar will be created at the Santa Escuela de Cristo, the small church with the clock tower to the left of the Parroquia. This year, March 18th is the last Friday of Lent, which also marks the start of Holy Week/Semana Santa. It is known as Viernes de Dolores – The Friday of Our Lady of Sorrows – and is considered one of the most important days of Easter observances.
Traditionally, this is the day the Virgin of Sorrows is honored with beautiful altars in homes and public places. In San Miguel, there is also a tradition of decorating the old fountains throughout the Centro. Created by Luis Pantoja and Ernesto Morales, the special altar beside the Parroquia will be open to the public at 7 p.m. Friday.
At 7:30, in the same church, there will be a recital of “Ensamble Requiem” playing the Stabat Mater, a 13th-century Catholic hymn to Mary. At 8:30, baritone Ricardo Castro and pianist Jusué Martinez will be performing different arias for your listening pleasure. The event is free of charge.
Luis Pantoja, a native of San Miguel de Allende, designs jewelry at Piedras (http://www.piedrassanmiguel.com http://www.piedrassanmiguel.com) and has done altars at the Parroquia for the past several years.